Long-Term Care

This week's tip: Identifying and monitoring edema

LTC Nursing Assistant Trainer, October 11, 2007

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Nursing personnel should monitor edema and inform the healthcare provider of the presence of this condition, as well as changes in the amount of fluid retained. Types of edema include the following:

  • Nonpitting edema: may be localized to one area, or generalized throughout the body (anasarca). The skin appears shiny and taught.
  • Periorbital edema: occurs around the orbits of the eyes.
  • Peripheral edema: occurs in the hands, lower legs, and feet.
  • Pitting edema: occurs when there is obvious fluid in the skin. It retains an indentation caused by palpation of the skin.



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